Originally posted by Greg Skinner:
The hype about the synthetic base layer dissipating the moisture from sweating to an outside layer is just that - wool as a base layer is twice as good, plus it doesn't smell. ..... It's not that I'm a die hard traditionalist, it's just that wool works better than anything else.
Opinions vary greatly on that.
About a year ago I had a buddy who owned a couple pieces of Sitka gear. I thought they were designed pretty well but was completely skeptical they were worth the money. I borrowed them for two weekends of hunting and thought, hmmm, maybe this stuff can fulfill the hype they've had. I talked more to owners of the stuff and eventually laid out the money for a core zip-t. I've used all kinds of base layers but have never found one that really pulled the sweat off the skin. Here in GA we often have 90degrees during the first part of deer season. There is absolutely NOTHING, in my opinion, that works as well as this top for keeping you cool. It DOES move sweat away from the skin.
I felt like this product was so much better than anything else on the market, I began talking to Curt and Peter I. about their specific opinions on the rest of the products. I bought some traverse pants. Again, I was able to hunt in very hot/humid conditions and stay far more comfortable than cotton/wool/ or any other synthetic I've used in this environment. They dry within minutes if you soak them, they are slightly stretchy which gives them high degree of comfort...etc. etc. It DOES move sweat away from the skin.
I was so convinced, I expressed great interest to Curt and Peter to become a pro-staff member. I sought THEM out, not the other way. Even with the few demo pieces they gave me, I spent my own money for more of the gear. Some worked better than others (I had to add wool and/or down layer to stay warm in the stand with the celcius gear) but every piece I used worked as advertised. First time for everything I guess.
I gave Woody my core top for a stalk in Texas because he had a light colored T-shirt on. After he came back to the truck, he said "I thought for sure I'd be sweltering within 20 yards...but I stayed completely comfortable and this has long sleeves!" I've loaned out these clothes to 3-4 other guys and all of them said the same thing.
I recommend Bob Morrison's bows not because Bob's my friend but because I believe in the product. I am a Sitka pro-staff member not because they gave me a couple pieces of clothes but because I BELIEVE in it's performance and the folks that run it. I recommend Danner boots because I've had a pair for 14 years that's been resoled 3 times and still going strong.
All that said, synthetics aren't for everyone. But some of us think they are a valuable tool to add to our hunting arsenal. I think both have their places and BOTH do a great job for their owners...or they wouldn't continue to own them. But to say that one is ALWAYS superior than the other is simply denial of the positive attributes of both.
I'll tell ya what, I believe in Sitka so much, for someone who is convinced wool is ALWAYS better who's posted on this thread so far: the first one that sends me a PM that they want to give it a shot, I'll send you one of my tops (a "snug" XL) to try for a couple of weeks. I'll pay shipping both ways, all I ask is you not tear it up. I've gotten no compensation for doing something this, I just believe in it.
I won't send you a Morrison or my boots though :p